Choices for Legislature

Published Wednesday October 24, 2012 at 6:00 am

Although independent voters are now the largest voting bloc in Massachusetts, the state’s Legislature is still dominated by Democrats, who currently outnumber Republicans by a ratio of 4-1 in the House, and by a ratio of 9-1 in the Senate. Bringing greater party balance to Beacon Hill, while only one factor, is an important one when weighing endorsements for public office.

The Democrats’ huge majorities in Boston do not tell the whole story. There are shades of opinion within parties, and Republicans, while few in number, have on occasion found common cause with conservative Democrats to oppose some portions of Gov. Deval Patrick’s agenda.

But we continue to believe that greater political balance holds the promise of a more bipartisan and moderate fiscal policy, as well as hope for deeper reforms. Too often, the pace of change on Beacon Hill has been too slow, too timid and too beholden to special interests.

The key for voters is to examine the candidates in each race less by their party labels than by their commitment to common-sense governance that balances the needs of their district and the state.

In the 2nd Worcester state Senate district, we endorse incumbent Democrat Michael O. Moore for re-election. Republican challenger Steve Simonian of Auburn is a Navy veteran with solid ideas and enthusiasm, but Mr. Moore’s deep roots in local government, experience in Boston, impressive accessibility, and strong record of working with his colleagues have earned him another term.

In the Middlesex & Worcester Senate district, we endorse Republican challenger Dean Cavaretta. Mr. Cavaretta is a U.S. history teacher whose first job was as a Route 146 project manager under Gov. Paul Cellucci. He has long experience in the state’s public transportation sector, a firm grasp of economic issues, and an energetic and innovative approach to reforming state government. Incumbent Democratic state Sen. Jamie Eldridge has been an active, involved voice for the district, but his open advocacy of higher taxes for both individuals and businesses betrays a government-as-solution approach that cannot effectively address the state’s perennial economic crisis. Voters should give Mr. Cavaretta an opportunity to show a better way forward.

Central Massachusetts voters also face choices in 13 House districts.

The 15th Worcester seat, formerly held by Vincent Pedone, is a key district for Worcester, and residents there have been without a voice for too long.

While our political positions and philosophy are much closer to Mr. O’Malley’s, Ms. Keefe’s neighborhood activism on behalf of Worcester, her sincerity, energy, and obvious dedication to the city give her the edge. Her firsthand knowledge of the needs of some of Worcester’s toughest neighborhoods means she has the potential to be an effective advocate on Beacon Hill.

For similar reasons, we endorse incumbent Rep. James O’Day in the 14th Worcester, and incumbent Rep. John Binienda in the 16th Worcester.

Both men have compiled strong records of service to their districts, and deserve the nod over their challengers, who have not yet been able to translate philosophical differences into a convincing mandate for making a change.

That same dynamic underlies our choices in several other Central Massachusetts races, where a group of incumbents, Democrats and Republicans, have paid close attention to their constituents.

We endorse incumbent Republican representatives Peter Durant in the 6th Worcester, Kevin Kuros in the 8th Worcester, Rich Bastien in the 2nd Worcester, Ryan Fattman in the 18th Worcester, and Steven Levy in the 4th Middlesex, and incumbent Democrats Dennis Rosa in the 4th Worcesterand Anne Gobi in the 5th Worcester.

In three other districts, we believe voters should choose change. We endorse Republican challengers Chuck Kuniewich for the 3rd Middlesex, and Marty Lamb for the 8th Middlesex.

Finally, Republican challenger Susannah M. Whipps Lee is the best choice in a three-way race for the 2nd Franklin. Even aside from the bizarre, unfounded, and as-yet-unexplained accusations leveled against her by incumbent Rep. Denise Andrews, Ms. Lee’s local roots and business experience make her the clear choice for more effective representation.

These recommendations would add balance to the Legislature, while retaining those lawmakers who have demonstrated a commitment to working with their colleagues in Boston and serving the residents of their districts.